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The Importance of a Network Assessment

 Most of us just want to turn it on and go. When our computers start throwing fits – running slow, crashing, belligerently stopping us with its freeze screens, and generally acting like a spoiled brat, our love relationship goes south.  Even with a good virus protector and malware filter behind a solid internet firewall problems occur. Personal computers are bad enough, but with a business network multiply the complexity of issues by the number and types of devices that are attached to it. 

 Even the most basic network these days has a firewall, a server or two, a few desktops and laptops, some mobile devices, and probably a couple of different operating systems. Some have a wireless network, a network printer, VPN, Voice-over-IP (VoIP) phone system, automated back-ups, and a specialized app or two. If you think a single PC changes a lot over time, think about all the “moving parts” that make up an entire network!

 The bigger the network, the more users who are a part of it, the greater the likelihood that there are hidden issues lurking in the digital nooks and crannies where even in-house IT guys rarely look.

Time for a Tune-up?

 Just as you tune-up your car, or take your body in for a check-up, your network needs the same care.  First, there’s the matter of security. Think about how many people
you’ve granted access to your network over the years.  Do they still have access? Even the ones who are no longer part of your company? And speaking of that, when’s the last time you checked whether anyone opened an unsecure port to the internet, exposing your company to potential attacks on your system or theft of proprietary data? Scary
to think about.

And what about productivity?  How are slow computers on a possibly overloaded network affecting your workflow?

Let’s Talk About Security

There are dozens of critical security and productivity problems that invariably develop as a network grows and ages, and most companies have a hard time keeping up, and a harder time tracking down the issues. That’s why we recommend that every business that has a network, no matter how small or simple, regularly run a simple network assessment scan – at least on a quarterly basis. You should have your assessment performed by a qualified network technician who will be able to analyze the results and
quickly cure any deficiencies, vulnerabilities and improper network settings.

Maybe its time to take a deep dive into your network, so you can just turn it on and go.

Contact CTO Networks to Schedule a Network Assessment